Abstract

ANTIOXIDANT AND LARVICIDAL STUDIES OF COPPER OXIDE AND ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES BY MUSA ACUMINATA LEAVES AS REDUCING AGENT

K. Sumithra, B. Vidhya Lakshmi and Saranya Jothiramalingam*

Abstract

In recent science, nanotechnology is a glowing field for the upcoming researchers. Nanoparticles exhibit better characteristic size, orientation, physical properties and morphology than bulk materials. Nanoparticles can be easily prepared by various physical, chemical and biological methods. The biological approach is the most emerging trend of preparation because this method is eco-friendly, less time consuming and easier than the other methods. Biological methods involve the use of plant extracts, bacteria and fungi. In this present work, plant extract was used to prepare copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Among various metallic nanoparticles, copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles display unique characteristics including pharmacological activities that are not observed in metallic state. This study provides useful information regarding the synthesis of copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous Musa Acuminata leaf (banana leaf) extract. Prepared leaves extract was used to analyse the phytochemicals present in it. These phytochemicals are responsible for the reduction of metal ions to nanoparticles also act as stabilizing agent. Biological studies like antioxidant and larvicidal activity were carried out for the prepared nanoparticles and it was found that prepared nanoparticles exhibits enhanced biological activity than aqueous leaves extract.

Keywords: Musa Acuminata leaves, copper oxide nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, larvicidal activity and antioxidant activity.